Funded by the Worcester Regional Transit Authority
Riders’ Guide for Using
The Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA)
Non-ADA Van & Minibus Service
w WRTA van services are public transportation services for elders 60+ and persons with disabilities of any age. You are required to share the vehicle with other riders who are traveling at the same time in the same direction. Ride sharing helps the WRTA make the best use of available vehicles and keeps costs down.
w Please wait where you will be able to see or be aware of the vehicle when it arrives. Your ride is on-time if it arrives up to 10 minutes before or 10 minutes after your given pick up time. Make sure to allow for this “window” of time when requesting your trip. Once our vehicle arrives within that “20 minute window” of time, the driver will wait no more than 5 minutes for you to meet the vehicle at the curb before leaving to serve the next passenger.
w If you are a “no show” for your pick up, your return trip is cancelled.
w At the destination, a driver may assist you to no more than one curb, one step or ramp* leading to an outside primary entrance, as long as the driver is still within sight of the vehicle. If you need assistance beyond what is offered above, you are expected to arrange for someone to accompany you.
w Drivers are not permitted to accept information regarding appointments, cancellations or changes. You must call the scheduling office.
w You are not permitted to change your destination or pick up time once you have boarded the vehicle.
w All passengers are required by law to wear the seatbelt that is provided for the full duration of the trip. No standees are allowed. You may ask the driver for assistance in securing seatbelts. Young children and infants must be secured in an appropriate child safety seat.
w Before the vans move, drivers will secure passengers riding in wheelchairs using four (4) wheelchair belts and passenger seatbelt.
w The WRTA is only required to transport eligible riders in wheelchairs that (1) have at least 2 inches of ground clearance (2) do not exceed 30 inches in width or 48 inches in length (3) do not exceed 600 pounds when occupied.
w Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) can accompany eligible riders at no cost.
w For safety reasons, if you travel using a three-wheeled mobility aid, you will be asked to transfer to a permanent seat in the van if you are able to do so.
w If you travel with medical support equipment you may be required to have a second individual travel with you. If you use such equipment, you are allowed (even if not required) to have a second individual travel with you if you wish. Escorts for individuals with such equipment ride free.
w Children under thirteen (13) years of age must be accompanied by an adult when riding the van.
w Eating, drinking and smoking are prohibited on the vans. Drivers are instructed to pull over and stop if these rules are violated. If you refuse to comply with the rules, drivers are instructed to call the dispatcher and report the incident.
w No pets are permitted on WRTA vehicles. Trained service animals are welcome to ride.
w You may take as many bags or packages as you can reasonably
carry in the vehicle.
w Service will be refused to riders who engage in violent, seriously disruptive or illegal conduct.
w The van will only pick up and drop off where it is safe to do so. Property conditions are not the responsibility of the van service. The van service may ask you to upgrade or change the loading and unloading areas to insure your safe transport as well as that of the drivers.
w If the drivers encounter situations which cause them to have concern for the safety of individuals traveling on their vehicles or the safe operation of those vehicles, they are instructed to bring such information to the attention of their supervisors.
Supervisors will investigate the concern and may then ask passengers to comply with certain conditions which they deem necessary for safe delivery of service. Those conditions may include but are not limited to:
*Ramp must meet Federal Americans with Disabilities Architectural Guidelines (ADAAG). For more information call the WRTA @ 508-752-9283.
**Upgrading or changing the boarding/unloading area.
**Require a companion when (for whatever reason) additional assistance, beyond what the drivers are expected to provide, is needed.
These van rules have been established to ensure the safe operation of the WRTA van service. Behavior which is disruptive to the service will not be tolerated. Service suspension can and will be imposed on persons who violate van rules or are disruptive to the operation of the service.
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